Blogi

Like their Syrian counterparts, Palestinian refugees are fleeing the country to neighboring states. The difference however, is two-fold: 1) this constitutes secondary forced displacement for Palestinians who have already been removed from their original homes; and 2) because they are not afforded their right to return or any other durable solutions, several Arab countries treat them like stateless persons. As a result, they receive less protection and endure greater discrimination. Human Rights Watch reports that Jordan has distinguished the refugees at its borders in an effort to exclude Palestinians, for example. While Lebanon has recently granted entry to 600 Palestinians, it is not clear that this policy will continue. This is similar to the displacement of Palestinians from Iraq since 2003. As attacks on refugee camps continue (see here and here), this is a definitely story to watch.